Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders sets sail during drills on the second day of training camp Friday at Dove Valley. Denver’s preseason opener is Aug. 7 against the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

It was a little after 9:30 a.m., a few minutes before local hoops legend Chauncey Billups arrived, and before the sun began mercilessly bearing down on the manicured grass at Dove Valley. The Broncos’ first-team offense lined up opposite the starting defense for the first time in pads. Players lined the sidelines, eager for prime viewing spots. And the initial play after the historic single-season passing assault was, of course, a handoff to running back Montee Ball.

“I want the guys to be physical early on, and see who imposes their will,” coach John Fox said.

Typical, even for the Broncos, the offense was behind the defense, especially against an overhauled unit that has “left smaller running lanes,” Ball said.

“We all know what kind of quarterback we have,” Ball continued. “The ball is going to be in the air, so it was nice to see what we can do with it.”

Nobody worries about the Broncos making plays with Peyton Manning under center. The defense stole the spotlight, even if it’s an opinion shared privately, was welcomed. The Broncos’ defense allowed 110 more points in 2012 than 2013, the league’s fourth-worst regression.

“It felt good out there. This is what linebackers live for, to hit somebody,” said linebacker Danny Trevathan. “At the same time we have to be smart.”

The Broncos’ work will be repeated Sunday before a much bigger audience. The first of three, free open practices will be held at Sports Authority Field from noon to 2 p.m. as a concession to fans being unable to watch the team at Dove Valley because of the $35-million renovation project.

“We can’t wait to get out there in front of them. Anytime you are in the stadium, it feels like a game,” defensive tackle Sylvester Williams said. “And the fans give you energy.”

With a large crowd anticipated, the Broncos are encouraging fans to arrive early. Nearly 45,000 attended last season’s open practice at the stadium. Entry is permitted through gates 4, 8, 9 and 10.

Other notable moments on Saturday:

• There were minor injuries: Defensive end Derek Wolfe (tightness in back), safety John Boyett (back tightness) and defensive end Greg Latta (strained knee) missed time. A few players dealt with cramping in their calves, including Trevathan.

• Receiver Emmanuel Sanders scored on a route down the middle, beating rookie Bradley Roby, and punctuated it with a dunk over the goal post.

• Defensive back Louis Young continued his strong early showing with multiple good plays in pass defense.

• Ronnie Hillman, who held the blue football as a reminder of ball security, made nice run up the middle, bursting outside with good separation. However, he also fumbled once.

• Cornerback Jordan Sullen, who has played well early on, incurred the wrath of coaches by losing his lane on return coverage.

• Billups, a big Broncos fan, watched nearly two hours of practice from the sideline.

• Coordinator Adam Gase on backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, who is working on his consistency: “During the spring he was trying a few different things. He was really aggressive and probably turned the ball over a little bit too much. He knew that. We sat down and coach (Greg) Knapp did a of a good job of saying, ‘Hey, it’s training camp now, we have to start playing like it’s a game.’ He’s done a good job so far out here protecting the ball, getting through his progressions.”

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

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